(IUS East Asia & Oceania) – The 2026 IUS East Asia–Oceania Conference will take place on 26–27 February 2026 at Don Bosco College Canlubang, bringing together Salesian Higher Education Institutions from across the region for reflection, dialogue, and strategic planning. The conference will explore the theme “Salesian Transformative Education in a Rapidly Shifting Landscape,” addressing the challenges posed by rapid technological change, evolving learner profiles, and deep social and cultural transformations.
The conference is expected to be inaugurated by Don Rafael Bejarano, SDB, Councillor for Salesian Youth Ministry, highlighting its importance for the mission and future direction of Salesian higher education. Rooted in the Salesian Preventive System, participants will reflect on the need for interior renewal of identity, leadership, and institutional structures, while engaging contemporary frameworks such as Education 5.0, which emphasizes human‑centered learning, ethical leadership, and social responsibility.
According to Fr Jeffrey Mangubat, SDB, IUS‑EAO Coordinator and Rector‑President of Don Bosco College Canlubang, “this conference offers a timely space for our institutions to strengthen collaboration and renew our commitment to transformative Salesian education in the region.” He also noted that the gathering will serve as an important preparatory step toward the IUS General Assembly scheduled for the end of 2026, helping to align regional priorities with global discernment.
The program includes plenary sessions on transformative education, campus ministry, transformational leadership, and policy and strategy review, followed by panel dialogues with institutions from the Philippines, Japan, Papua New Guinea, and East Boroko. The conference will also welcome the participation of the Instituto Superior Dom Bosco (ISDB) from Dili, East Timor, joining as a new IUS member and aspiring to further develop and upgrade itself as a university.
Echoing the broader vision, Fr George Thadathil, SDB, Global Coordinator of IUS, observed that “regional conferences such as this are essential moments of listening and discernment, enabling Salesian higher education to remain faithful to its charism while preparing together for the decisions of the forthcoming General Assembly.”
The conference aims to strengthen regional networking, participatory leadership, and shared mission across the East Asia–Oceania region, while helping shape the future direction of the International Association of Salesian Universities.
Source: ANS – “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana”